Chesney Hughes delighted with start to season

Sports Reporter

Chesney Hughes says he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his season, but insists he won’t be complacent as he aims to secure his place at the top of the order.

The opening batsmen has scored 400 runs in Derbyshire’s first three Specsavers County Championship fixtures and hit his second unbeaten century of the campaign to help his side secure a draw with Northamptonshire this week.

With 133.33, Hughes has the second-highest batting average across both divisions of the Championship but the left-hander is focusing on ensuring the county’s first win of 2016 is just around the corner.

“Going into the first game I felt comfortable, I felt like I was hitting the ball nicely and to get the rewards from that is very pleasing.

“At Northampton, we had a bit of a collapse first innings, and they also had a bit of a collapse, so it was one of those that we had to make sure.

“Going out there was a little bit of pressure, but we got through the first session well and was able to bat through.

“I probably wouldn’t have played the first game at Bristol if Billy was healthy, so that’s all motivation for me to continue to score runs.”

Hughes added: “the pitches are a bit flat this time, but when we get to mid-season, and we continue to play good cricket, results will change for us very quickly.

“We’ll get wickets in clusters and we will capitalise. I’m sure a win isn’t far away.

“You’ve got to bowl the ball in the right areas for long periods to get rewards out there. It’s just about controlling the run rate and that’s key with these type of pitches. But you can take wickets and the ball swings.

“You can’t close your eyes and score runs, you’ve got to work hard for it and I’m pleased I got a few.”